[muawiyah]

It is contented that it might be possible to diminish motivation to create new intellectual property, but where is the proof?

If the internet is used as an example of what really happens, it's pretty clear that the more writing space made available for people to write on the more writing will be done!

Frankly the age of "copyright" may well have come and gone. The Founders certainly never anticipated electronics.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

I was careful to use the term "intellectual property", rather than simply "writing".

It still costs megabucks to make a blockbuster movie. Creating the software programs that enable electronic publishing still costs hundreds of millions. For that matter, almost all of the cost of computer hardware is in the intellectual property embedded within it. A huge chunk of the economies of the U.S., and other western nations is in the form of intellectual property.

That doesn't mean that reform of the laws isn't required. Clearly, copyrights for books, music, etc. are for too long a period. Sites like FR should be able to post articles for comment. Also, people should be entitled to make backup copies of their music and movie collection. Just so long as there is sufficient remuneration to cover expenses, and pay the creators for their work.

When it comes to writing -- so much crap is being published that it is now worth paying not to see most of it.